Did Nido Milk Change Their Formula? Unpacking the Recent Reformulations

In May 2024, a report by the NGO Public Eye revealed that Nestlé added significant amounts of sugar and honey to infant food products sold in lower-income countries, including Nido powdered milks. These findings ignited global debate and brought attention to the fact that Nestlé does, in fact, frequently change its Nido formula, often differing by market and product line.

Quick Summary

Nestlé has repeatedly reformulated its Nido product lines, with recent changes adding probiotics and DHA while phasing out some added sugars in certain regions. The specific ingredients and nutritional content vary significantly depending on the target market and product version.

Key Points

• Frequent Reformulations: Nido's formula is not static and is frequently updated, often with different ingredients across regions and specific product lines.

• Differing Sugar Standards: Recent controversy highlighted that Nestlé previously used higher levels of added sugar and honey in Nido products for lower-income countries compared to European markets.

• New Fortified Versions: Modern Nido formulas, such as the 'Kinder 1+' line, now include added probiotics and DHA to address specific toddler nutritional needs.

• Phasing Out Certain Sugars: In response to public criticism, Nestlé is phasing out added sucrose and glucose syrup from its toddler 'growing up milk' recipes worldwide.

• Marketed as 'Formula': Newer products are explicitly labeled as 'growing up formulas' for specific age ranges (e.g., 1-3 years), distinguishing them from the general 'powdered milk' they were once perceived to be.

Yes, Nido's Formula Has Changed (and Continues to Evolve)

The short answer to "Did Nido milk change their formula?" is yes—multiple times, across various products, and for different global markets. While the perception might be that a product remains static, companies like Nestlé constantly adjust formulations to meet evolving nutritional guidelines, respond to market feedback, and optimize product lines. Some of these changes are transparent, such as the introduction of new variants like 'Kinder 1+' with added probiotics and DHA. However, other changes, like differing sugar levels by region, have sparked significant controversy.

The Nido Reformulation Timeline

Nestlé's approach to Nido is not a single, universal formula, but rather a family of products tailored to specific age groups and regions. This means that a change impacting a product in one country may not affect a different Nido variant elsewhere. For instance, in May 2024, reports surfaced that some Nido powdered milks sold in lower-income countries contained added sugar or honey, a practice not used for the same products in European markets. This specific change prompted a public backlash.

Key Changes in Nido Formulas

1. Introduction of Probiotics and DHA

One of the most notable recent updates is the addition of new fortification ingredients. Many of the newer toddler-focused products, such as 'NIDO 1+ Kinder,' now prominently feature added probiotics like L. rhamnosus, along with DHA (Omega-3) to support brain development.

2. Phasing Out Added Sugars in Certain Markets

Following a report highlighting differing sugar standards across regions, Nestlé announced a global phase-out of added sucrose and glucose syrup from its toddler 'growing up milk' recipes.

3. Shifting Product Focus

Nestlé has also shifted its messaging and product strategy. For instance, in some regions, it moved from marketing Nido as a general "powdered milk" to specifically branding it as a "growing up formula" tailored for toddlers and young children. This distinction emphasizes the added nutrients and separates it from standard dairy products. The discontinuation of specific regional variants, like the 'Nido 3+' powder in some areas around March 2025, also indicates ongoing product line adjustments.

Comparison Table: Older vs. Newer Nido Formulations

Feature	Older Nido Powder (e.g., pre-2020)	Newer Nido Formulas (e.g., Kinder 1+)
Added Sugar	Present in many international versions, sometimes as honey or sucrose.	Phased out of many 'growing up milk' recipes globally, especially sucrose and glucose syrup.
Probiotics	Not typically included.	Added to many newer toddler-specific variants for gut health.
Omega-3 (DHA)	Generally not included.	Added to newer products like NIDO Kinder 1+ to support brain development.
Marketing	Often advertised more broadly as a powdered milk for families.	Increasingly marketed as a specialized 'growing up formula' for specific age ranges (1-3, 3-5, 5+).
Labeling	May be labeled as powdered milk.	Explicitly states it is not a breastmilk substitute, with age limits clearly defined.

How to Tell if Your Nido Has Changed

To determine if the Nido product you use has changed, check the ingredient list and nutritional facts on the packaging. Key changes to look for include the presence of probiotics like 'Lactobacillus rhamnosus' or 'Omega-3 DHA', which indicate a more recent formulation. Also, examine the sugar sources and the product's labeling, especially if it's now designated as a 'growing up formula' for a specific age group. A noticeable change in taste may also suggest a reformulation.

Conclusion: The Evolving Face of Nido

The question "Did Nido milk change their formula?" requires recognizing that Nido is a family of products adapted for different markets and stages. Recent updates include adding probiotics and DHA, alongside decisions regarding sugar content. Consumers should check product labels for ingredients and intended use, as specific Nido versions can vary significantly.

For further reading on the controversy surrounding Nestlé's differing sugar standards in infant foods, see the investigative report from {Link: Just-Food https://www.just-food.com/news/nestle-accused-of-double-standards-over-sugar-in-baby-formula-cereals/}.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nido's Formula Changes

1. Did Nido add sugar to its products sold in developing countries? A report in May 2024 indicated Nestlé added sugar and honey to some Nido products in lower-income countries, differing from practices in European markets.

2. Is Nido now a formula instead of a powdered milk? Many Nido products are now marketed as 'growing up formulas' for specific child age groups, containing added nutrients.

3. Why does Nido taste different than it used to? Taste changes are likely due to reformulations that alter ingredients, such as changes to added sugars or the addition of probiotics.

4. Has Nido added probiotics to its formula? Yes, newer toddler Nido formulas like NIDO Kinder 1+ include probiotics.

5. Is the Nido formula different in different countries? Yes, formulas vary significantly by country due to regulations and market preferences, affecting ingredients and nutritional content.

6. What is the difference between Nido 1+ and Nido Fortificada? Nido Fortificada is a fortified whole milk powder for children over 5 and adults, while Nido 1+ is for toddlers aged 1-3 with specific added nutrients like DHA and probiotics.

7. Why was the Nido 3+ powder discontinued? Reports suggest the Nido 3+ powder was discontinued in some areas around March 2025, likely as part of product line adjustments.

Sources

• : {Link: Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/toddlers/comments/1jgq88y/nido_3_milk_powder_discontinued/}
• : {Link: Just-Food https://www.just-food.com/news/nestle-accused-of-double-standards-over-sugar-in-baby-formula-cereals/}
• : {Link: Nestlé Pakistan https://www.nestle.pk/brands/infant-nutrition/nido-gufs}
• : {Link: goodNes.com https://www.goodnes.com/nido/products/kinder-1-toddler-milk-beverage-56-4-oz/}
• : {Link: goodNes.com https://www.goodnes.com/nido/products/kinder-1-toddler-milk-beverage-77-6-oz/}
• : {Link: Nestlé Pakistan https://www.nestle.pk/ask-nestle/why-is-age-limits-defined-on-every-nido-if-i-do-not-fall-within-these-age-groups%2C-can-i-still-consume-it}

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Nido add sugar to its products sold in developing countries?

A report in May 2024 indicated Nestlé added sugar and honey to some Nido products in lower-income countries, differing from practices in European markets.

Is Nido now a formula instead of a powdered milk?

Many Nido products are now marketed as 'growing up formulas' for specific child age groups, containing added nutrients.

Why does Nido taste different than it used to?

Taste changes are likely due to reformulations that alter ingredients, such as changes to added sugars or the addition of probiotics.

Has Nido added probiotics to its formula?

Yes, many of the newer Nido formulas designed for toddlers, such as NIDO Kinder 1+, now include probiotics.

Is the Nido formula different in different countries?

Yes, the formulas can differ significantly based on the country. Factors like local regulations and market-specific preferences mean that the ingredients, nutritional content, and even the type of added sugars can vary from one region to another.

What is the difference between Nido 1+ and Nido Fortificada?

Nido Fortificada is a fortified whole milk powder designed for children over 5 and adults, containing added vitamins and minerals. Nido 1+ is specifically formulated for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years and contains targeted nutrients, often including probiotics and DHA.

Why was the Nido 3+ powder discontinued?

Reports from consumers suggest that specific Nido variants, like the 3+ powder, have been discontinued in certain areas as recently as March 2025. This was likely part of a product line consolidation or marketing change by Nestlé.